\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"Pittsburgh](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Cherington-1024x630.jpg\")
Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Ben Cherington introduces Pittsburgh Pirates first-round draft selection, Termarr Johnson the media after signing him to a contract with the team before a baseball game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Philadelphia Phillies in Pittsburgh, Friday, July 29, 2022.(AP Photo\/Gene J. Puskar)\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
It\u2019s been an active offseason for general manager Ben Cherington and the Pittsburgh Pirates so far.<\/p>\n
The Pirates entered the winter in need of offense and they\u2019ve added several position players to help improve the lineup, including a pair of 2025 All-Stars.<\/p>\n
Second baseman Brandon Lowe was acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays and Pittsburgh signed first baseman\/right fielder Ryan O\u2019Hearn to a two-year deal. Additionally, outfielder Jake Mangum was also in the trade with the Rays and top 100 outfield prospect Jhostynxon Garc\u00eda was acquired from the Boston Red Sox.<\/p>\n
While most of the attention so far has been on the offense, the Pirates also signed left-handed reliever Gregory Soto to a one-year contract and acquired fellow lefty reliever Mason Montgomery.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been a different feeling,\u201d Cherington said on what this offseason has been like. \u201cDifferent reasons for that. Certainly appreciate the support. As excited about the moves we\u2019ve made, the reaction we\u2019re getting from people within our clubhouse \u2014 staff and players \u2014 what I hear from them after some of these things are happening is also a good feeling.\u201d<\/p>\n
Heading into the 2026 season, the Pirates\u2019 offense looks much better than it has in year\u2019s past, not that it\u2019s a high bar to pass. Pittsburgh finished last in baseball in 2025 in runs, home runs and OPS and were at or near the bottom in most other major categories.<\/p>\n
With Lowe, who belted 31 home runs last season, O\u2019Hearn, who had an .803 OPS and Mangum, who hit .296 as a rookie, the lineup looks much more formidable.<\/p>\n
But Cherington doesn\u2019t think the Pirates are done adding this offseason.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have several weeks between now and opening day. It\u2019s our job to use every day to hunt opportunities to get better,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m confident we will continue to add to the roster during that time.\u201d<\/p>\n
While Lowe, O\u2019Hearn and the others address needs for the Pirates, there are still holes on the roster that could potentially be filled between now and the start of the season.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we could add someone on the left side of the infield, that\u2019s something we\u2019ll keep an eye out for,\u201d said Cherington. \u201cWe\u2019ll remain opportunistic in the outfield.\u201d<\/p>\n
Though shortstop will eventually be manned by uber-prospect Konnor Griffin \u2013 and perhaps sooner rather than later \u2013 the Pirates still have an opening at third base after trading Ke\u2019Bryan Hayes at last year\u2019s trade deadline.<\/p>\n
Jared Triolo is a potential in-house option, but he could also be a place-holder at short until Griffin is promoted. Nick Gonzales is another player who can play short who is currently on the roster, but improving the offense continues to be a priority. Even with Mangum and Garc\u00eda as outfield options, the Pirates could look to add a more proven player.<\/p>\n
But offense isn\u2019t the only area the Pirates are looking to address.<\/p>\n
Pittsburgh had to dip into their starting pitching depth to land some offense. Mike Burrows was sent to the Houston Astros in the three-team trade with the Rays and it cost Johan Oviedo to land Garc\u00eda from Boston. <\/p>\n
Though the Pirates still have a quality mix of young arms, the rotation depth has taken a hit, and adding a veteran to stabilize the rotation makes sense.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWould like to add back to pitching,\u201d said Cherington. \u201cWe\u2019ve traded a little bit of pitching, so would like to add back to that\u2026Hope to add to the pitching group in some form.\u201d<\/p>\n
This offseason has looked much different than previous winters for the Pirates, especially under Cherington. While the moves made at least offer some encouragement, continuing efforts to get better will paint a much clearer picture of contention \u2013 something that hasn\u2019t been said in far too long.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe feel good about the progress we\u2019ve made. Not satisfied,\u201d Cherington explained. \u201cThere\u2019s more we want to do.\u201d<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMentioned in this article: Ben Cherington<\/a> Pittsburgh Pirates<\/a> <\/p>\n